Published March 1991 | Version v1
Journal article

Thomson scattering in a magnetic field. II. Arbitrary field orientation

Creators

  • 1. Washburn Observatory, Madison, WI (USA)

Description

This paper presents solutions to the equation of transfer for Thomson scattering in a constant magnetic field of arbitrary orientation. Results from several atmospheres are combined to give the flux from a dipole star. The results are compared to the polarization data of the magnetic white dwarf Grw + 70 deg 8247. The fit is good, though it implies a very large polarization in the ultraviolet. Thomson scattering is not thought to be an important opacity source in white dwarfs, so the good fit is either fortuitous or is perhaps explained by assuming the magnetic field affects the polarization processes in all opacities similarly. 20 refs

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Astrophysical Journal
Journal Volume
369
Series
Astrophys. J.
Journal Page Range
451-462
ISSN
0004-637X
CODEN
ASJOA